negra
“negra” means “black” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
black
Also: dark
📝 In Action
Quiero comprar una falda negra para la fiesta.
A1I want to buy a black skirt for the party.
La tinta negra se regó sobre el libro.
A2The black ink spilled all over the book.
Black woman
Also: Black girl
📝 In Action
La nueva abogada es una negra muy inteligente.
B1The new lawyer is a very intelligent Black woman.
¿Conoces a esa negra que canta tan bien?
A2Do you know that Black woman who sings so well?
dark, unfortunate
Also: gloomy
📝 In Action
Tuvo una suerte negra en los negocios.
B2She had terrible/unfortunate luck in business.
Esa fue una época negra para la familia, llena de problemas.
C1That was a dark era for the family, full of problems.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: negra
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'negra' to describe a feeling or condition rather than a color or person?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *niger*, meaning 'black' or 'dark'. It has been used in Spanish since the earliest forms of the language.
First recorded: 10th century (via *nigro* or similar forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'negra' sometimes used as a term of endearment?
In certain regions, particularly the Caribbean, using 'negra' (or 'negrito'/'negrita') is a common, often affectionate way to address loved ones, similar to 'sweetheart' or 'dear.' It often loses its literal racial connotation in these contexts, but context is key.